RIYADH, 21 March 2004 — Poland will not withdraw its troops from Iraq, its President Aleksander Kwasniewski said during a day-long visit here yesterday.
After a series of high-level talks, Kwasniewski categorically said the 2,300 Polish military personnel will stay in Iraq until the country returns to normal.
During his brief stay in the capital, the president met with Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, and other senior members of the Cabinet and GCC Secretary-General Abdul Rahman Al-Attiyah.
“The withdrawal of foreign troops will lead to anarchy in Iraq,” said Kwasniewski.
While describing casualties among foreign soldiers as a “personal tragedy”, he said Iraq was making steady progress toward transfer of power and stability.
Kwasniewski said he discussed the fight against terrorism at length with the Saudi leadership. “All honest people in the world detest terrorism,” he said.
Kwasniewski, who later left for Kuwait en route to the UAE and Qatar, said Poland looks at Saudi Arabia as a strategic partner in strengthening economic and political ties with all members of the GCC.
The Kingdom and Poland froze diplomatic relations after World War II, but restored them in 1995 following the fall of communism in Poland.
Kwasniewski also called on Saudi businesses to become partners with their Polish counterparts in the reconstruction of Iraq.
Polish companies could assist Saudi partners who won contracts in Iraq with Polish products and services.
The president led a 70-member delegation including Minister of Defense Jerzy Szmajdzinski and Finance Minister Andrzej Raczko.
During a meeting with Saudi businessmen, the president said Poland had created a favorable climate for overseas investment.
